About The trainer:

Jenna is the only Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behaviour in Calgary and 1 of only 3 in Canada. She is also a Certified Canine Behaviour Consultant (CBCC-KA) and a Certified Fear Free Professional with over 10 years of experience training dogs and cats. She is also a recently published author in the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants Journal. The article can be found here: https://issue19.iaabcjournal.org/puppy-socialization-challenges-amidst-covid-19/

Jenna realized her passion for Animal Behaviour during the Animal Health Technology Program in University. While working in Vet Clinics, she discovered that pets were being euthanized due to behavioural issues and wanted to do something about it.

She has extensive experience with a variety of behavioural issues in both dogs and cats and comes highly recommended by a growing number of veterinarians in Calgary and Cochrane. She offers behavioural assessments, private one-on-one training sessions, virtual consultations, training packages and group training classes.

My DOgs:

I have 2 dogs; Ely is a 7-year-old Rottweiler and Thistle is our 2-year-old Border Collie. Ely has titles in Rally Novice, Intermediate and Advanced, Companion Dog and Trick Dog Intermediate. Our next big venture is obtaining the CDX (Companion Dog Excellent). I plan on competing in obedience, rally, agility, dock diving and disc with Thistle.

Training Method:

With all of the different trainers, classes and training techniques available it can be difficult to choose or know which one is best for you and your pet.

I train using Fear Free, positive reinforcement methods. The CVMA (Canadian Veterinary Medical Association) and the CCPDT (Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers) support reward-based methods which are: ” humane training methods for dogs that are based on current scientific knowledge of learning theory”.

Positive Reinforcement Training uses things that motivate the dog (food, toys, play, affection and praise) to reward desired behaviours and removes the motivators to discourage undesirable behaviours. Clicker training is an example of Positive Reinforcement training that is used on a variety of animals (domestic and wild) worldwide. Every pet is an individual and something that works for one pet may not work for another. Discovering which motivator(s) work best for the pet is just as important as the training techniques, which is why it is a part of my initial assessment. You can learn more by CVMA’s article on Dog Training at https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/humane-training-methods-for-dogs

SERVICE & RATES

BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION (reactivity, anxiety, fear & aggression)

Initial Consultation: $215.00 plus GST  

• A 90-minute private consultation in your home

• A detailed, personalized training summary including tips, exercises, handouts, and video resources.

• Email support between sessions

• Videos and video review

BASIC MANNERS (recall, pulling on leash, jumping up, etc)

Initial Session: $175 plus GST

• A 60-minute private consultation in your home

• Personalized training summary including tips, exercises, handouts and video resources

• Email support between sessions

How can I help? 

 OBEDIENCE & Basics FOR PUPPIES & ADULT DOGS:

• House Training

• Handling Acceptance (for nail trims, grooming, etc)

• Barrier Training

• Crate Training

• Socialization

• Loose-Leash Walking

• Recall

• Bite Inhibition

 OTHER:

• Fear Aggression

• Leash Reactivity

• Territory Aggression

• Play Aggression

• Barrier frustration/aggression

• Redirected Aggression

• Anxiety & phobias

• Resource Guarding

 NUISANCE BEHAVIORS:

• Jumping up

• Mouthing/Nipping

• Digging

• Excessive Vocalization (barking, whining)

• Pulling on Leash

 CATS

• Urinating or defecating outside the litter box

• Spraying and urine marking

• Stalking

• Play aggression

• Introducing a new cat or pet

• Inter-Cat aggression

• Environmental enrichment and dealing with stress

PUPPY PROGRAM - $350.00 - Best option for new puppy owners!

• A 30-minute pre-puppy phone consultation to prepare you and your home for the new arrival.

• Four, 60-minute private training sessions in your home

• Email support between sessions

• A puppy package containing handouts, resources, and fun stuff!

FOLLOW-UP SESSIONS: $150 PER HOUR

Puppy Foundations (2-4 months of age) - 6 week course

Puppies have a sensitive period of development from 3 to 14 weeks of age in which sociability outweighs fear. This is a critical period when puppies should be safely exposed and learn to adjust to new people, animals, and experiences. This is why taking classes should not wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated. 

This course covers everything you need to know to start on the right paw with your new puppy! Expect to learn about proper socialization, canine body language, learning theory, handling for vet visits and grooming, as well as basic training skills (attention games, beginner recall, leash walking, leave-it and drop). Each class has a unique discussion topic aimed at addressing common concerns (below). The cost includes a 60-minute weekly class with puppy play, homework, resources, and unlimited access to the trainer for questions and support throughout the program. 

• Week 1: How dogs learn & puppy socialization 

• Week 2: Confinement training & preventing separation anxiety 

• Week 3: Puppy biting 

• Week 4: Prevention of resource guarding 

• Week 5: Jumping up/Polite greetings 

• Week 6: Spay & Neuter 

Cost: $300 + GST

Location: Mollie’s Market

Available Wednesday evening

Intermediate life skills (8 months & up) - 6 week course

This class focuses on skills to help you and your dog function in real-life scenarios. We work on building confidence, and frustration tolerance, boundary training, building and maintaining engagement in more challenging environments, addressing nuisance behaviours, and more. All dogs must have basic obedience skills as a prerequisite.  Reactive dogs are welcome in this class with prior assessment. 

Cost: $300 + GST for 6 weeks 

Location: Mollie’s Market. Outdoors at various NW Calgary locations May-September. 

Foundations II (5-18 months of age) - 6 week course

This class builds on puppy foundations and addresses the challenges associated with adolescence including resilience and frustration tolerance and how to build and maintain engagement from your dog. Skills include stationing (send to place on cue), relaxing on a mat, polite greetings, loose-leash walking, leave-it, recall, and more. Includes a 60-minute class once a week, weekly homework, resources, and unlimited trainer access for questions and support.

Cost: $300 + GST

Location: Mollie’s Market

Available Wednesday evening

COMING SOON! CANINE GOOD NEIGHBOUR PREP CLASS 

The Canine Good Neighbour Program is a 12-step test that when completed successfully, will ensure that your dog is a valued, accepted member of our communities across the country. Canine Good Neighbours can be counted on to present good manners at home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. The test is non-competitive and allows the dog and handler to demonstrate confidence and control in 12 steps. It assesses the handler and dog's relationship, together with the handler's ability to control the dog. Dogs are evaluated on their ability to perform basic exercises as well as their ability to demonstrate good manners in everyday situations. 

From: https://www.ckc.ca/en/Raising-My-Dog/Responsible-Ownership/Canine-Good-Neighbour-Program